U13s HV Colts v Bonnyrigg Blues 22 March 2009 Wardie, 3rd Round Ken Ritchie Cup

'Todays winners would guarantee themselves a place in the quarter final of the Ken Ritchie Cup. Any thoughts about this match being a foregone conclusion would have been dispelled by a quick glance at the league table. Bonnyrigg are handily placed in their division for a push for promotion, and are more used to winning than losing.

In a bright opening Rian was the first of the keepers to be called into action when he dealt with a low dangerous cross by smothering the ball with a Bonnyrigg forward hovering. Tony got the Colts on their way however with a fine finish following good approach work from Mark and Lee. The Bonnyrigg keeper who had a good match, then saved Tony's right foot effort, and blocked Lee's attempt when he was through on goal. With Lee also blasting over and Ben nodding wide, then Tony and Mark both lifting shots over the pressure was building on Bonnyrigg's goal. Mark was given a great chance when Dean played a superb ball to him on the right but the keeper saved his team coming off his line smartly to deny Mark space. At the other end Rian had to be alert to smother a freekick which dropped into the box. Then two great pieces of individual skill created chances for Brad and Daniel, Brad's shot fizzing wide of the far post after a great run, then Daniel turned his marker in the box to give him space to fire his shot away which the keeper saved, after a great passing move had carved the Bonnyrigg defence open.

However the second could not be delayed indefinitely and it came from Nick's alertness stealing into to pinch a pass to ther full back and the driving the ball across the keeper into the far corner. Nick was proving a thorn in Bonnyrigg's side as he won a ball and drove into the box before picking out Daniel unmarked at the far post and the Colts were 3 goals to the good at half time.

Fraser who had put in a power of work in midfield provided the fourth for Ben as he scored his first. His second was not delayed long as Darren sprayed the ball wide to Nick who drove forward and crossed to him at the back post. The Bonnyrigg keeper made another great block when Nick was through smartly into the box but he could do nothing about the 6th when Billy took Daniel's pass, held off the defenders, drew the keeper and fired the ball under him for a great goal. Billy was involved in the 7th when he pounced on the keeper's save from Fraser's rocket. He couldn't turn the ball in but Ben was on hand to make sure. The Colts were rampant and Billy took a ball on the left and lofted an unstoppable shot across the keeper to round off the scoring.

A good all round team performance on the day with everyone getting useful game time. Ben and Grant could be proud of their work at the back as they helped Rian keep a clean sheet and with the Darren providing bite and passing in both midfield and the back, Mark looking lively on the right, the competition for places is as tough as ever.'